FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below is a list of the most common questions people ask me. Please read these before you ask me something – the answer may be already there, and it will save your time – not to mention mine.
Where do you buy all these things, and how do I get them?
I don’t buy these things, I create them myself. These are not official LEGO sets, just custom designs not available for sale.
Can I buy any of these from you?
Not really. There are basically two reasons for this: firstly, I only build every construction once and then take it apart, without creating any form of instruction. Hence, if I were to re-build a specific construction for you, I would have to rely mainly on my memory. Secondly, and more importantly, all my constructions are very ‘technic’ in nature – they contain a number of moving parts and mechanism that may get damaged and malfunction. If you want to buy them, you probably want to put their functions into some use, and it means I can’t guarantee they will work properly in every condition, not to mention the problems with shipping. They can’t be glued solid or reinforced – it’s just the way the bricks work; they can be put together, but they can be put apart as well. And I have no time for some emergency service or handling dissatisfied customers, sorry.
If the above does not discourage you, there is obviously always a space for negotiations. Be aware, however, that the specialized parts I’m often using and plenty of labour needed must reflect on the final price. We’re talking $1,000+ here.
Do you make instructions?
Usually I don’t, and there is a number of reasons for it. Creating instructions takes much more time than the actual building did, and hence it would drastically reduce the number of my constructions. I tend to use plenty of specialized parts that are rare and expensive – so even with the instruction in hand, you would most likely have to do a lot of shopping, and then perhaps feel unhappy about the way you spent your money. Finally, I deeply believe that creativity is what LEGO is about. So I’m taking many photos and I’m explaining how the mechanisms are built and on what principles they work. This plus your creativity should be enough. If you want complete, step-by-step instructions – go buy some LEGO sets.
You should submit your creations to LEGO Ideas!
No, I don’t. The LEGO Ideas program rejects vast majority of submissions, including every single Technic submission up to date, and there are strict guidelines which most of my creations don’t meet.
What software are you using to create 3D drawings and schemes?
I’m using MLCad for modelling and LDView for rendering, and LPub for making instructions.
Can you send me more photos of something?
No. The construction you’re interested in is most probably already taken apart, and I really don’t keep any photos hidden from you. I only keep the photos I have published. If they’re not enough – sorry, there really is no more.
Does “Future Projects” page list all your future projects?
No. I have a number of secret projects, which are highly experimental and hence more likely to fail. I don’t list them there to avoid being hard-pressed, as they are more unusual and more difficult to complete than the regular ones. But if such a project enters a stage at which it’s very likely to be completed, it will be listed in the “Currently building” section under a code name.
Can I use any of your ideas?
Of course, that’s why I publish them. I believe that the ideas should be exchanged in the Lego builders community freely.
Do I have to credit you when I use some of your ideas?
Not necessarily. It will be nice if you do, but that’s not really the point, and I don’t require it. I’d rather see my ideas developed further and put into a good use, than look around for credits.
Are you keeping all your constructions?
I’m keeping none. I take them all apart in order to build something next, to re-use the parts. I have no regrets about it – anything I build can be recreated, and even if I kept it intact, I would feel compelled to improve something in it sooner or later. My need for building is simply stronger than my need for looking at my creations.
How many parts do you have?
Probably less than you think. I’m not a collector, I only buy necessary parts, and I’m re-using the ones I already have. Moreover, I want to hold all my parts within my workbench, and that implies certain limits.
What does your workbench looks like?
Messy is the word, I guess. The video below shows all the details.
Where do you get all your parts?
There are many sources available, starting with the LEGO Shop itself, including eBay and probably the most specialized: Bricklink.com. I’m shopping almost exclusively online, because the prices are more affordable that in local shops available to me.
Can you sell me some parts?
No. As mentioned above, there are numerous sources of LEGO parts available. Most of them are faster and cheaper than I could be.
Do you have some special technical education?
Not a bit, I’m a linguist by education and a webdesigner by profession. I simply have a strong interest in mechanics, and a plenty of experience with LEGO bricks. All I need to build is some mathematics, geometry and access to the Wikipedia.
You should show LEGO what you build, or work for them!
Thank you, actually the company is aware of my work, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to hire me or turn my creations into LEGO sets. It doesn’t work that way.
How come your photos look professionally edited?
I work as a webdesigner. Graphic design and post-processing of photos are essential part of my profession.
Are you a professional photographer?
No, I have little idea about professional photography. I’m using a DLSR camera, a pair of good lamps, and a big piece of paper as the background. Nothing really tricky.
What cameras are you using?
As of 2018, I am using Canon EOS 70D camera with Canon 17-55mm lens for photos, Lumix G7 for videos, as well as two GoPro cameras: 4 Session and 5 Black Edition.
Are you building with LEGO bricks only?
Usually yes. I’m using both LEGO and non-LEGO strings, rubber bands and pneumatic hoses, as these originals parts are most difficult (and least rational) to buy. Occasionally I use 3D-printed parts, which is always clearly stated, and sometimes I use third-party remote control devices such as SBrick or BuWizz, where LEGO Power Functions system is too limited or too outdated for comfortable use. This, again, is always clearly stated. Other than that, it’s all original LEGO bricks down to the last single part. And I don’t modify, cut or glue my bricks.
Can you build something from the Star Wars theme?
I have no interest in Star Wars theme at all, sorry.
What’s the difference between terms “Truck Trial” and “Trial Truck”?
Truck Trial is the name of the competition. Trial truck is the name of a vehicle built specifically for this competition.
Can you make instructions for some good Trial Truck?
No. It’s simply pointless – Truck Trial is a sport somewhat similar to F1 races, which means that there are no ultimate solutions nor ultimate vehicles. Construction of trucks used in the Truck Trial is continuously evolving, the improving of vehicles never really stops, and new solutions pop up every couple of months only to become outdated sooner or later. There are many different approaches to building, various builders focus on various aspects of their vehicles, and ever most successful trucks are being improved and experimented on. Some vehicles can perform excellent against certain types of obstacles while failing against other. I’m still trying to develop a decent, universal vehicle, but even if I succeed and create instruction, it will soon become worthless. Given the extreme complexity of Truck Trial vehicles and hence long time needed to create such an instruction, it would very likely be outdated by the time it’s finished.
How come you build so much?
There is a number of experienced builders who work really fast. In my case, I believe imagination is the key: I don’t have to try out every solution that comes to my head, because often I can imagine how it would work without touching a single brick. It’s not difficult, it’s just a matter of experience and knowledge on the LEGO bricks. There is also a matter of planning – when I build something big, I’m trying to plan it in theory as much as possible. I’m checking the exact size of the mechanisms I want to include in it, I’m trying to figure out the best way to put them together. It takes little effort, and it’s really helpful, or even crucial in case of the most complex constructions.
How long does it take to build these things?
That varies a lot, depending on the complexity of a given model and the amount of spare time I have at the moment. In most cases, it’s between 3 and 6 weeks, but some large, complex models can take as long as 3 years.
Hi,
I built a wheeled vehicle with a 5 speed gearbox, differential and suspension. I’ve tried powering it with an L motor and an XL motor, but neither make the thing move without considerable stain. I think it might be because of the gear ratios that the motor cannot handle, but what would you recommend? Change the gearbox? Or just add more motors?
Hi Sariel, through a link on a link, I saw some new sets for this summer, on of which was a black porsche 911. Do you know if this is official? http://www.brothers-brick.com/2016/01/26/lego-technic-42056-porsche-test-car-revealed-news/
The other models shown are quite cool too, be interested to know when they’re due out in the UK if you know?
Thanks,
@sohibil
Yes, you have to pay for delivery. Delivery people don’t work for free.
Hello,
I was looking at the bricklink online store you use for buying most of the parts. The parts are really cheap but there is still a thing that bothers me – postal services. Do you also have to pay for the delivery of an item you’re buying? I found some items I wouldn’t hesitate to buy, but they are from different countries and I worry, that because of this the price might increase too much.
@Adrian_L
Nie wiem jak dokładnie miałbym Ci pomóc. Nie znam tej skrzyni, nie miałem do czynienia z tym projektem, nie wiem gdzie mogłeś zrobić błąd, a formatu lxf nie używam. Jedyne co mogę polecić to spróbować zbudować którąś z moich skrzyń, instrukcje do których znajdziesz w dziale Downloads.
Witam
Podziwiam Pana projekty i z niecierpliwością czekam na kolejne. Sam buduje ale nie aż na taką skale jak Pan. Czy może mi Pan pomóc w budowie skrzyni biegów takiej jak ta (http://storage.technicbricks.com/Media/2011/TBs_20110719_1/TBs_20110719_1-p86.png), ponieważ moja nie działa tak jak powinna. Mam też instrukcje tej samej skrzyni w formacie .lxf ale nie wczytuje się całkowicie. Dziękuje i pozdrawiam.
Adrian
@GILBERTO
Thanks, best regards 🙂
Witam !!
I’m an Italian man , but my wife is polish and we lived in Warszawa for 9 years… now we live in Spain, I speak polish but ….worried to write it !!… for first I’m a lego passionate, and discovered the technics world thank your unoficial manual…my child are very happy whn I build something for they.. but miss time and competence !! Sorry…my suggest for Lego Company (may be you can forward this…) is to create a different battery pack 9v. I this is very easy to make a beams case with inside a rechargeable normal 9v battery. The pack of 6 battery is very big and heavy, so not for little cars and projects….
Thank you for read !! have fun with your in progress projects !!
Gilberto and family
Pozdrawiam serdecznie !!
@mlody
Są mi potrzebne, więc nie mam takiej możliwości.
a sprzedaz urzywanego? nawet w cenie nowego
@mlody
Obawiam się, że niestety nie.
@hardy
Thank you, I’m glad the book meets your and your son’s expectations 🙂 I was unaware of the errors, my German is too poor to check the German edition. But it’s surprising, since it was a German publisher that handled the translation.
Hi Sariel,
Received your first book last week.
I am 39 years old and came back to LEGO with my six year old son.
We both are totally amazed by your detailed reviews and your book caught me in an instant.
Thank you very much for all the time and effort you put into these things.
and just for your interest without complaining… there are a few (translation-) mistakes in the german version. you know that probably. if you have any german texts and want someone to read them in order to check for misspellings or false words… just get in touch with me…
And again… Thanx for your substantial contribution to the worldwide LEGO community.
@Tobias
No, I don’t.
Hello,
you know someone who build a life-size lego-figure of Darth Vader. I want to have a parts list for the full building kit plus the pdf instructions. Could you help me.
Thanks a lot.
@Yoon jae hwang
You learn by practice. If you’re 11, you have plenty of time to learn. I couldn’t build nice bodies when I was 11.
Hi, Sariel. My name is Yoonjae Hwang and I am from South Korea. I am 11 years old. Right now I am at Manchester studying English. I want to ask you something. How do I build lego technic mocs well like you? I built like 20 lego technic mocs, but I didn’t make it until body. I can make chassis motorized easily but I can’t make the body. I really want to build lego technics well like you.
Bye. Please answer my question.
@hateofallhatreds
I’ve got PhD in English literature. Standard training.
Hi Sariel,
just out of curiosity – what is your training and what are your skills as a linguist?
@Chubays
Just some PC from a shop, I don’t know, I’m not a sysadmin 🙂
Hello Sariel!
As I am not only legofan, but also system administrator, what is your computer hardware?
@Will Rusiti
Pinnacle Studio.
Hi, what program do you use to create your videos, do you use the same program to add your text, i like the look of it and i would love to use it in my videos.
Thanks in advance
@Dean Johannese
I’ve seen it done multiple times, nothing tricky about it.
Have you ever seen or done a model of a car with a working convertible top?
@Sariel (:
@Guy
No idea. Google it, maybe?
Hi Sariel
I tried to download the instruction building for the B model of the 42043 lego set from the Lego site. but the files are not exist. do you know where i can find them?
Thanks in advance,
Guy
@Jan
Ebay or Bricklink + a lot of luck and money.
HELLO where you got the Lego buggy engine needs it and I can not get . thank you: D
@Shorjok
It’s nice but I’m not interested in building it, thank you.
Hey pawel, I know you don’t take kindly to requests [and for good reason] so think of this as just a ‘hey, look at this badass thing’ – https://youtu.be/E3QoVvtPqXY?t=1m30s
Seriously. Just….look….
(and if there’s anyone who could build one, it’s not gonna be me 😉 )
I’m a beginner of Lego Technic, but I really love it. Thanks for all your ideas that helped me. This is my blog. junniancreation.blogspot.com I just want you to be aware. Nothing asked for
@alex
It’s called Move! Bike Computer.
Hey sariel. Can you tell me what app do you use for the speed recordings in your videos? That would be nice!
@Michał
No to masz dwa rozwiązania: budować tylko z tego co masz albo zmienić hobby.
@Sariel
Chodziło mi bardziej o rozwiązanie nie kończącym się na kupowaniu nowych części. Chciał bym móc zamówić sobie części ale rodzice mi nie pozwolą ponieważ uważają to za bezsensowny wydatek. 🙁
@Michał
Ja staram się raczej zawieszać całe koła niż tylko opony 🙂 Części których szukasz są zapewne tutaj” http://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?catType=P&catID=141
Witam. Jestem właśnie w trakcie budowy nowego modelu samochodu mającego przebić możliwościami wszystkie moje poprzednie. i pojawił się pewien problem ponieważ tylne opony posiadają wachacze od siebie nie zależne. Chciał bym aby przednie opony również były od siebie nie zależe. Ale nie posiadam nie wiem jak to nazwać “wachaczów lego”. Mógł byś jakoś pomóc?
@Tobias Stanisfugl
It’s made with worm gears. Pretty basic and common function.
Hi Sariel
Thank you for the review of the 42042 Crawler Crane. Interesting detail is the noted blocking of the two winches, if the lever is in the middle position.
How is this made or can you give the time in your speed build video, where the crucial parts are fitted in the gearbox?
Or I wait until the building instructions be released…
Thank you, Tobias Stanisfugl
@Ben
Nice 😉
I found you a friend.
https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s320x320/e15/11356993_1450631428582993_202265435_n.jpg
Based in Leeds town centre, UK.
@Tobias Stanisfugl
I think the truck is too tall. The clamp is pretty good at grabbing things. I did not test the lifting capacity, but it seems quite good.
Hi Sariel, thank you for the review of the new 42043 truck.
Since Lego Sets often do function not loaded only, and do not perform good with some loads applied, I like to question the following:
Did you test the crane regarding its lifting capacity? Can the clamp grasp anything, and how heavy this can be? How about the crane’s movements under load?
And: Regarding scaling, isn’t this model too high, exceeding 4 m maximum height for european roads with respect to the scale?
Thank you for an reply!
Tobias Stanisfugl
@Vincent Huth
Sounds like you are running all 3 motors off a single power supply. That’s too much. You need to use no more than 2 XL motors per a single power supply, or it will shut down under stress. Try adding a second battery box and connecting it to one of the motors.
Hello i have built an lego technic dump truck with 3 xl engines. When the engines Work hard they suddenly stop and make a very high noise Like cryring and they have lost a lot of Power Then i have to stop them and start again. How can i solve that problem?
Vincent
@Han
No, the 8676 set is using completely different elements.
Hey Sariel,
You are using this rc unit in many of your creations. I’m also looking for this motor and controller… is the one you are using the same in the “Lego racer sunset cruiser RC model 8676”, because I can buy one for around 50 euro’s instead of the “8675-1: Outdoor Challenger” which costs about 500 euros…
Thanks in advance.
Han
@Psor
To duży temat, dlatego myślę że najlepiej zacząć od podstaw i zapoznać się z najlepszym tutorialem do MLCada jaki istnieje: http://www.holly-wood.it/mlcad-en.html
Cześć Sariel,
Obecnie pracuję nad instrukcją do modelu Colta ’45, stąd mam pytanie dotyczące tworzenia submodeli w Ldraw. Przykładowo, jeśli mam już złożony szkielet pistoletu, a oddzielnie chcę zbudować lufę, chwilowo odchodząc od dobudowywania kolejnych części do modelu początkowego, muszę stworzyć coś w rodzaju modelu drugorzędnego, a następnie jednym krokiem dołączyć go do reszty. Jak to zrobić?
@Alex Istrate
It all comes down to what you need it for, how much stress you want it to handle. The diffs themselves are pretty sturdy, it’s the gears inside you have to be worried about.
Hi! I just moved from software engineering to robotics and I intend to build a Lego + Arduino rock crawler with robotic hands. However, I already destroyed some Lego gears (20T 1 bevel and 12T inside a diff) so I became concerned with the safety of the more expensive stuff such as the diffs. From your experience, how strong are the Lego diffs? Is it a good idea to drive the diff from 2 sides? Or is it a worthy to build a custom diff (ground clearance is quite important for me)? Is there a difference between the 3 types of diffs (I don’t have the really old model)? Thanks!
@Vehudis
That depends on what you need that track to do. If it’s crucial that the motor can hold to it, racks are probably your best choice. Another option would be to use this and this: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=2653 and http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=4510 but it would be more expensive and generate much more friction.
Hi Sariel,
I’d like to ask you, whether you could help me to find a solution for this:
I have a 8882 motor & a row of 18 gear racks 1×4; the motor should move on the gear racks in parallel while holding them. The track don’t has to be made from gear racks, if there is another possibility/part,that could be used to build the track; important is the lenght of the track: at least 57 cm.
@Jarek
Hm, siłę nacisku w jakich jednostkach?
Cześć:)
Jestem fanem paintballa i lego ale moje umiejętności budowania nie mogą nawet stanąć obok Twoich :). Wykorzystałem klocki do budowy prostego modelu, obrazującego działanie konkretnego elementu markera paintballowego – zaworu niskiego ciśnienia – film jest na YT na kanale B&B Paintball
Bardzo chciałbym zbudować urządzenie pozwalające zmierzyć siłę nacisku, która powoduje, że kulka paintballowa pęka (kulki mają różną twardość) Dzięki temu będę mógł wykorzystać je w testach kul. Możesz pomóc w takim temacie?
Pozdrawiam serdecznie
Jarek
@Hazen
Seems like this may be problem on Kindle’s side. It’s a very image-heavy book, perhaps it just can’t handle it?
@Sariel
It just says “We’re sorry. Kindle Cloud Reader can’t open this book, but you can read it with our free Kindle app.” I now see that I can install a Kindle “app” on my computer, so I can just use that instead.
-Hazen
@Hazen
Sorry to hear that. What seems to be the problem, exactly?
Hello,
Unfortunately I cannot read your new “Incredible Lego Technic” book using Amazon’s Kindle Cloud Reader. If you have any control over this, it would be nice if this could be fixed. I was kind of hoping to read this book on my computer, which has a much larger monitor than any of the devices that I have with the Kindle app. This was not a problem with your previous book.
Thank you,
-Hazen
@Cody
I don’t have anything against fan mail, it’s just that I was under impression that being able to leave comments here or at my Facebook page is sufficient for most people.
Is there any way we could send you fan mail? Would you be open to anything like fan mail?
@Tobias
Hi Tobias. Check the second post here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=58596
Hi Sariel, Don’t know how to contact you, so used the comments here. I’m was a Lego Technic fan in my youth until 1995. After that i kept my Lego parts and now i start to build some own creations. I’m not a good builder, therefore i bought your book. I’m trying to build a tracked vehicle. Almost any of my parts are studded. i only own a few new studdless parts. In the Chapter about tracks you write about rubberbands that could put in the pinholes of the new tracks to get the tracks more grip and lower the sound of the tracks. But i couldn’t immagine how to put them there. So how should the rubberbands put on the tracks?
cheers
Tobi
@Cactus
A simple stepper motor could do that.
Hello Sariel,
Is there a way to rotate a lego platform by 90 degrees, using some type of lego mechanism? I have searched in
your book and online and found nothing, so i thought i might come to you.
thanks,
Cactus
@herbi
Cześć Hubercie, pozdrawiam. Budujesz ładne rzeczy. Ja w Twoim wieku tak nie potrafiłem 🙂
Witam!
Jestem Hubert, mam 12 lat. Piszę do Pana, ponieważ podobnie jak Pan interesuję się klockami lego, z których buduję od 3 roku życia. Od kilku lat buduję własne konstrukcje. Pierwszym większym projektem był ursus c-360, którego zbudowałem, gdy miałem 10 lat (link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m7cEUSZVSo). Miesiąc temu skończyłem chevroleta corvette c2 stingray (link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV7FUlcXbNs). Jestem Pana fanem i bardzo zależy mi na Pana opinii o nich. Jeśli mógłby je Pan obejrzeć i napisać o nich byłbym bardzo wdzięczny. Pana konstrukcje oglądam na yt i wiele się z nich nauczyłem:)
Pozdrawiam, Hubert Walczak
@anthony
Suddenly? I’ve been building tanks regularly since 2007. I’ve built 16 so far.
have you been playing world of tanks because you suddenly like tanks…tiger, tiger two, t29, and a churchill?
@Sariel
Alright.
@Jack Hammar
I don’t see why not. No such plans at the moment, though.
Think you could build the TOG II using your own schematics?
@leon
In this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ell2lZPWxH0
I get the strong helicopter and his motors i put in legos
Resul: 40 kph
In which video do you play bass guitar???
@Simon
I’m just buying regular Lego hose at Bricklink: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?catType=P&catID=530
What kind of hose do you use for pneumatics? Do you know where I could get some?
@leon
I don’t know.
can lrgos work with home made motors
@Sariel
Thank you ! I’ll definitely look it up ! 🙂
@Kavehkan
Well, I believe my book could help you a lot: http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-LEGO-Technic-Builders-Guide/dp/1593274343/
It has several sections on tanks and on scaling models.
Hello Sariel,
I would like to start building lego tanks, but I have very few knowledge of how to do it. While I don’t beg for instructions or parts list, do you know a forum where I could get help to begin this ? It would be much appreciated.
Thanks to you,
Sam’.
@leon
I get most of them, and no, I don’t know what you have to do to get them too.
Sariel , do you buing lego sets for rewievs or you get them??????
finally I found a template for a lot of stickers of technic theme on some forum
god bless that guy 🙂
@caosoftware
I usually draw them myself, but then I’m a graphic artist. I guess you could try to look for decal sheets of the plastic model kits.
hi sariel, I so interested in making stickers for my models, how I can do it ?
on google I cant find any help, nor any ps design
you can help me ? very very tahnks
@Handsome jack
No and no. Plus, making a 1 meter long tank screams “I have a complex”.
Can you try and make a 1 meter long tank out of lego or can you make instructions for your lego tiger tank
@Sariel
OK! Thank you for the reply.
@Lofse
No, I don’t.
Hi Sariel!
i had an idea to use something like this (http://i.imgur.com/8nVsbCx.png) instead of a differential+clutch. Do you think that there is any case where this could be better that a locked rear-axle?
Thank you, Lofse
@Martti
By pressing into them.
Hi Sariel!
thanks alot for awesome website, and yt channel! i have guestion about trophy truck chassis instructions. how that peace which connect wheel to chassis is attached to other parts? i cant figure out that from pic. sorry my bad english. thanks for advance!
Genious constructions Especially the Hummer. I am planing the Better 4×4, Land cruiser Hzj 75 (-; .i See one Problem. I am using the unimog tyres and according to my scale the round front lights which are very important for the appearence are exactly 2,5 studs. Do You have Any idea? Greetings Thomas
@Shorjok
The brand of the drawers I think you mean is OKT. I believe they’re based in Germany.
I absolutely must know, what brand are the small drawers you use for parts storage? Been looking all over the place for some to keep my lego in, so I can finally get organised but to no avail. Akro-Mils drawers are perfect but they’re impossible to get in Europe.
@Sariel
Purchased through Amazon UK, can’t wait 😉
Outstanding for a graphic designer to get that much into engineering
Hope Lego can get some advice from you and get next truly epic set (this year is a bit disappointing). Really wish they can do a Technic UCS .